Although some of us already know one another I'll admit that I don't know many of you, and i'm really looking forward to what this experience will bring- friends? maybe? Or just some bygone wisdom that didn't seem to make it's way down this genetic drain pipe.
So, let's start with introducing ourselves, and hopefully by the time we're finished most of us will have had time to order the book and we can begin...
As I said, I am a UCC Pastor serving in a parish in Chapel Hill. I live in Durham with my wife and two children. We have a 2.5 year-old son named Sage who is every bit of 2.5 as they come. Enough said. My wife is an elementary music teacher in Wake County and is also a Music Director for a Lutheran Church in Raleigh. We welcomed our newest edition, Shannon "Quinn" (named after my wife, Shannon) to the world on June 29. She is a dream...already sleeps through the night, rarely cries and is a champ at breastfeeding. Yes, I am waiting for the big 'ole shoe to drop...
As far as life, we are currently struggling to figure out how to eat, live, love, play on a 2 female-income based household with 2 kids in daycare/preschool. And not just 2 females, but 2 non-profit salaried females. Ugh, to stay at home and live in a shoe...some days I wish we could just walk away from it all and move to Amsterdam with some bikes, a tent and a hen!
Here is my gang: Still haven't received our pics from our latest family shoot!
What am I looking for?
I am most looking forward to deepening community relationships with folks through sharing our experiences, getting past the playground chatter in hopes that deeper insights will be birthed, leading way to a more authentic way of being- in the world. It's one thing to join an online group with folks whose lives are scattered across the country, but to foster and build authentic community with those who could be your next door neighbors, whose children attend the same school as yours, go to your church, shop at your local grocery store, drink beer across the table from you, play on the same playground- is both daring and freeing. Imagine what the public square would be like if we actually took time to really KNOW our neighbors, to build community across all our differences...
So, let's give this a shot. I think starting with Glennon's book will be a great way to create a spirit of openness for the group and to remind us that our vulnerabilities are truly our greatest assets. Don't let her alcoholic, druggie, bulimic self overwhelm you if you don't find yourself relating... you don't have to be an addict or a "diagnosis" to have something to share! We all have children, and therefore, each have some kinda crazy join' on! And, remember, sometimes our most perfect selves are what keep us hidden from others.
If you would like to share something about yourself, your family, what you are most interested in about being part of this group, or simply a particular issue in parenting that you are dealing with, please do.
Whose next??
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